Therapists in Chicago, IL
Dr. Jenny Sokolowski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
I firmly believe that the only way to overcome challenges is to face them. Much like navigating through quicksand, struggling only pulls you deeper; when you pause and find stillness, you begin to rise. As a psychologist, I aim to create a space of genuine warmth and sincerity, where together we can address and tackle the areas causing you distress, allowing you to find your buoyancy among life's struggles. In my practice, I bring a personalized approach, drawing from my roles as a Clinical Psychologist, Director of Testing, and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
I firmly believe that the only way to overcome challenges is to face them. Much like navigating through quicksand, struggling only pulls you deeper; when you pause and find stillness, you begin to rise. As a psychologist, I aim to create a space of genuine warmth and sincerity, where together we can address and tackle the areas causing you distress, allowing you to find your buoyancy among life's struggles. In my practice, I bring a personalized approach, drawing from my roles as a Clinical Psychologist, Director of Testing, and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
Kate Merkle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RDN, MPH
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
Shift, explore, integrate, and transform. With over 20 years of experience, I work with folks who are longing for a sense of balance and acceptance in their relationship with themselves and their nourishment. Recognizing that our needs are multifaceted, I join forces with individuals hungry to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, knowing that true recovery is within reach with dedication and support.
Shift, explore, integrate, and transform. With over 20 years of experience, I work with folks who are longing for a sense of balance and acceptance in their relationship with themselves and their nourishment. Recognizing that our needs are multifaceted, I join forces with individuals hungry to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, knowing that true recovery is within reach with dedication and support.
Hannah Carl
Psychologist, PsyD, NCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I work with individuals across the lifespan, with a special focus on emerging adults. I work with many young adults with personality disorders, significant anxiety, and body image issues, and I work to reduce stigma and shame around these topics. I also have a special interest in working with individuals and families whose lives have been touched by addiction, especially family members and friends of those with substance use disorders. I take a directive and empathic approach, and together, we will identify and remove barriers so you can live a radically genuine life.
I work with individuals across the lifespan, with a special focus on emerging adults. I work with many young adults with personality disorders, significant anxiety, and body image issues, and I work to reduce stigma and shame around these topics. I also have a special interest in working with individuals and families whose lives have been touched by addiction, especially family members and friends of those with substance use disorders. I take a directive and empathic approach, and together, we will identify and remove barriers so you can live a radically genuine life.
Jessica Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622
I am a bicultural and bilingual therapist. I value building a genuine and therapeutic relationship with folks, which means I will individualize therapy so that it can be the most meaningful. I use a mindfulness and strengths-based approach in session. I strongly believe we all posses the skills and abilities to create our desired lifestyle and goals by rediscovering self-love, practicing self-compassion, creating healthy relationships and remembering we need to be accountable to ourselves.
I am a bicultural and bilingual therapist. I value building a genuine and therapeutic relationship with folks, which means I will individualize therapy so that it can be the most meaningful. I use a mindfulness and strengths-based approach in session. I strongly believe we all posses the skills and abilities to create our desired lifestyle and goals by rediscovering self-love, practicing self-compassion, creating healthy relationships and remembering we need to be accountable to ourselves.
Sylvester James Merritt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Clients want to be heard and validated. Clients want to feel their experiences and feelings are acknowledged and not judged for thoughts and behaviors they do not know how to manage. So often the view of therapy is someone telling someone what to do with their life, when the therapeutic space should be a collaborative space that helps a client identify their strengths and how they can become the narrators of their lives again.
Clients want to be heard and validated. Clients want to feel their experiences and feelings are acknowledged and not judged for thoughts and behaviors they do not know how to manage. So often the view of therapy is someone telling someone what to do with their life, when the therapeutic space should be a collaborative space that helps a client identify their strengths and how they can become the narrators of their lives again.
Meaghan Tomasiewicz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
When you live with anxious feelings, worries, and fears, every day can feel overwhelming. Even the things you love can feel stressful.
When you live with anxious feelings, worries, and fears, every day can feel overwhelming. Even the things you love can feel stressful.
Noelle McWard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
Therapy can truly change how you see yourself, how you feel and how you experience life. It is a wonderful process, and I love my work as a therapist. I work with individuals who are facing issues of depression, anxiety, grief, life transition issues, and relationship issues. I also work with couples who are seeking to improve communication and connectedness in their relationships. My style with clients is warm and interactive. I am very involved in the therapeutic process, and view it as an active dialogue where we are working together towards your goals.
Therapy can truly change how you see yourself, how you feel and how you experience life. It is a wonderful process, and I love my work as a therapist. I work with individuals who are facing issues of depression, anxiety, grief, life transition issues, and relationship issues. I also work with couples who are seeking to improve communication and connectedness in their relationships. My style with clients is warm and interactive. I am very involved in the therapeutic process, and view it as an active dialogue where we are working together towards your goals.
Tasha K Young
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60651 (Online Only)
You’ve just about had enough. Everyone needs something from you but when you need something? Crickets. Romantic relationships have only added to your stress, and you can never seem to do anything right in the eyes of your partner. Insecurities bring out the worst in you, and none of the changes you’ve tried to make to yourself—inside or out—make any difference. The ambitions you have for your career are big, but when you think about the future, you feel stuck in a rut. You feel lonely, even though you have family and friends around you all the time. And telling them how you feel? Not an option. They’d only use it against you later.
You’ve just about had enough. Everyone needs something from you but when you need something? Crickets. Romantic relationships have only added to your stress, and you can never seem to do anything right in the eyes of your partner. Insecurities bring out the worst in you, and none of the changes you’ve tried to make to yourself—inside or out—make any difference. The ambitions you have for your career are big, but when you think about the future, you feel stuck in a rut. You feel lonely, even though you have family and friends around you all the time. And telling them how you feel? Not an option. They’d only use it against you later.
Jackson Newsome
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622
Waitlist for new clients
I strive for more than patient “functioning” as an end goal; I support my patients toward self-actualization and greater inner connection. If you feel stuck, consider a depth psychological approach. Many patients have only experienced supportive or solution-focused therapies, not realizing how these approaches inadvertently maintained their unhelpful patterns. Together, we will strive to find the right answer, not just the quick one.
I strive for more than patient “functioning” as an end goal; I support my patients toward self-actualization and greater inner connection. If you feel stuck, consider a depth psychological approach. Many patients have only experienced supportive or solution-focused therapies, not realizing how these approaches inadvertently maintained their unhelpful patterns. Together, we will strive to find the right answer, not just the quick one.
Ken Michaels
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Many people enter therapy with me because they're experiencing problems with living. Often they've come to realize these problems seem to repeat themselves over and over again. Examples include managing intense and painful feelings, cultivating and sustaining intimate relationships and struggling to maintain an overall sense of well-being over time.
Many people enter therapy with me because they're experiencing problems with living. Often they've come to realize these problems seem to repeat themselves over and over again. Examples include managing intense and painful feelings, cultivating and sustaining intimate relationships and struggling to maintain an overall sense of well-being over time.
Tara Thomason
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60661
My approach to therapy is reflective, authentic and insight oriented, with an emphasis on creating a trusting and collaborative relationship. With more than 20 years experience working with individuals, couples and families, my practice is informed by clinical expertise in treating symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I also counsel for issues related to life transitions, complex relationships, intimacy, parenting, identity, grief and loss. I greet clients with openness and curiosity, engaging a process that best fits their individual needs.
My approach to therapy is reflective, authentic and insight oriented, with an emphasis on creating a trusting and collaborative relationship. With more than 20 years experience working with individuals, couples and families, my practice is informed by clinical expertise in treating symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I also counsel for issues related to life transitions, complex relationships, intimacy, parenting, identity, grief and loss. I greet clients with openness and curiosity, engaging a process that best fits their individual needs.
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Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60604
I know that therapy can be a daunting experience, but through personal therapy and my work as a therapist, I have seen the power and change it can bring. Knowing this, my role as a therapist is my greatest passion and highest honor. I am committed to every session being one that is supportive and safe to explore new, uncomfortable, or scary things, and bring about a change you can feel. I show up with enthusiasm and authenticity, ready to start this journey with you.
I know that therapy can be a daunting experience, but through personal therapy and my work as a therapist, I have seen the power and change it can bring. Knowing this, my role as a therapist is my greatest passion and highest honor. I am committed to every session being one that is supportive and safe to explore new, uncomfortable, or scary things, and bring about a change you can feel. I show up with enthusiasm and authenticity, ready to start this journey with you.
Amanda Bevacqua
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
The path to healing is a collaborative effort that the client and therapist engage in together. I believe that my clients are capable, intelligent human beings who actually know quite a bit about what they need to feel whole and happy. I have a special interest in working with couples, relational issues, and parenting issues. I am an "integrative" therapist. Instead of ascribing to one school of therapy, I incorporate different methods of treatment based on each client's individual need
The path to healing is a collaborative effort that the client and therapist engage in together. I believe that my clients are capable, intelligent human beings who actually know quite a bit about what they need to feel whole and happy. I have a special interest in working with couples, relational issues, and parenting issues. I am an "integrative" therapist. Instead of ascribing to one school of therapy, I incorporate different methods of treatment based on each client's individual need
Andrew Hodge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60645
Not accepting new clients
Do you find yourself struggling to navigate the uncertainty of our time? Are you feeling helpless, or even hopeless, about the future? Have past experiences halted your ability to move forward? You are not alone. I am a licensed therapist providing humanistic and psychodynamic therapy for adults, integrating a systems framework to not only meet you where you’re at but also to recognize the systemic and societal context that applies to your individual experience. I acknowledge the complexities of power dynamics while working on colonized land and am affirming of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Do you find yourself struggling to navigate the uncertainty of our time? Are you feeling helpless, or even hopeless, about the future? Have past experiences halted your ability to move forward? You are not alone. I am a licensed therapist providing humanistic and psychodynamic therapy for adults, integrating a systems framework to not only meet you where you’re at but also to recognize the systemic and societal context that applies to your individual experience. I acknowledge the complexities of power dynamics while working on colonized land and am affirming of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Gerard David Widmann
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60642
Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Michal Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, ALMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603
You are a whole person who deserves to be seen, supported, and given access to the tools that can help you thrive through whatever you are going through. I am both sex and religion positive and enjoy working with people who are struggling, or have strengths that they’d like to access, in either area. My main passions include men’s mental health, relationships, and intimacy and I believe that the greatest change in all of these things comes from working on it with others— working with couples and families is the way I most enjoy tackling issues!
You are a whole person who deserves to be seen, supported, and given access to the tools that can help you thrive through whatever you are going through. I am both sex and religion positive and enjoy working with people who are struggling, or have strengths that they’d like to access, in either area. My main passions include men’s mental health, relationships, and intimacy and I believe that the greatest change in all of these things comes from working on it with others— working with couples and families is the way I most enjoy tackling issues!
Renee Rienecke
Psychologist, PhD, FAED
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
Dr. Rienecke is a consultant with SpringSource Psychological Center where she sees individual clients and has immediate availability. Dr. Rienecke specializes in the treatment of adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders. She has extensive training in Family Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders, which is an emperically validated, gold standard treatment. Dr. Rienecke received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She completed her clinical psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago Eating Disorders Program.
Dr. Rienecke is a consultant with SpringSource Psychological Center where she sees individual clients and has immediate availability. Dr. Rienecke specializes in the treatment of adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders. She has extensive training in Family Based Therapy (FBT) for eating disorders, which is an emperically validated, gold standard treatment. Dr. Rienecke received her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She completed her clinical psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago Eating Disorders Program.
Heather Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
Heather Schultz, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds overcome anxiety, depression, women's issues, weight loss struggles, and specializes in parent issues, including fostering and adopting.
Heather Schultz, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds overcome anxiety, depression, women's issues, weight loss struggles, and specializes in parent issues, including fostering and adopting.
Ashley Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Ashley’s therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, using a combination of art therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, through a multicultural and trauma informed lens. Ashley specializes in anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, general life stressors, and life transitions.
Ashley’s therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, using a combination of art therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, through a multicultural and trauma informed lens. Ashley specializes in anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, general life stressors, and life transitions.
Ridley Seawood
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603
My therapeutic approach begins with developing a trusting and collaborative relationship and is rooted in the principles of harm reduction, autonomy, and interdependence. It acknowledges the effects of social inequity, generational trauma, and each individual’s unique experience.
My therapeutic approach begins with developing a trusting and collaborative relationship and is rooted in the principles of harm reduction, autonomy, and interdependence. It acknowledges the effects of social inequity, generational trauma, and each individual’s unique experience.
See more therapy options for Chicago
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL
3,000+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
79% | Relationship Issues |
77% | Self Esteem |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Coping Skills |
67% | Stress |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
60% | Aetna |
49% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Chicago?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.